Darien Direct Connect E-Newsletter: October 16, 2025

The following email provides timely information on news and services

from the City of Darien.

Weekly eNews - October 16, 2025

Mayor's Message

“Fall has always been my favorite season. The time when everything bursts forth with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale."

- Lauren DeStefano

As we welcome the arrival of Fall here in Darien, I find myself reflecting on the changing seasons, not just in nature, but in life itself.

Each of us has our own favorite time of year. Some of you might say Winter is most magical when a fresh blanket of snow turns our town into a quiet, glistening wonderland. Others may favor Summer, with its sun-filled days, outdoor gatherings, and laid-back joy of flip flops, bathing suits and barbecues. Then there are those who cherish Spring, when the world reawakens and hope “springs” eternal with every blooming flower and budding tree.

As for me, I have come to realize that Fall is my favorite season, for to me it is synonymous with my life. I love the crispness in the air, the soft breeze during a quiet walk, and the kaleidoscope of colors that Nature uses to light up our trees. There was a time I saw Fall only as a prelude to Winter, as a reminder that colder days were near. But now, I view Fall differently. To me it mirrors a season of life; a time to pause, reflect, and simply appreciate all that has gone on in my earlier life.

Just as Spring represents the early years of learning and discovery, and Summer symbolizes the busy, fulfilling years of work and family, Fall to me, is a season of gratitude. It is a time to slow down, to shed the busyness of the past, and to take stock of all the beauty that surrounds us; especially the beauty of found relationships, memories, and community.

So, this Fall, I encourage you to take a moment; step outside, feel the breeze, take in the colors, and reflect on what this season means to you. Simply reply to this newsletter via email; we would love to know what makes each season special for you.

Wishing you a peaceful, colorful, and joy filled Autumn!

Scroll to the bottom to view Community Events

Fall Carnival This Weekend

Are you ready for more fall fun? We hope so, because the City of Darien is hosting a Fall Carnival at the Chestnut Court Shopping Center THIS WEEKEND - October 17, 18, AND 19! The carnival will have rides, games, and more. We'll see you there! Learn more.

Click here for Daily Ride Specials

City Council Meeting - October 20

City Council will meet on Monday, October 20, 2025 at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 1702 Plainfield Road. The agenda will be posted here.

Branch Pick-up - October 27

The final scheduled Branch Pickup of the season is coming up on Monday, October 27. The City of Darien is pleased to be able to offer FREE BRANCH PICKUP for all residents.

Stack the branches neatly by the curb on the Sunday before the pickup.
Weather conditions, equipment failures and the like may result in delays. The chipping crew will make only one pass and may complete your street as soon as Monday morning.
The chipper can accept branches up to 6” in diameter. Please do not tie the branches or put in garbage cans. All other yard waste such as grass clippings and flowers should be disposed of through our yard waste program with LRS. City crews will only pick up branches.

WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT LOGS, STUMPS, ROOTS, GRASS CLIPPINGS, FLOWERS, WEEDS, PLANTS, LEAVES, LUMBER & ANYTHING IN BAGS OR OTHER CONTAINERS.

Learn more here. If you have questions regarding branch pick up, contact Municipal Services at 630-353-8105.

Ask the Mayor

Do you have a question about City services? Want to better understand a City Council decision? Heard a rumor around town? Send your questions right to Mayor Joseph Marchese!

The City and Mayor Marchese are excited to remind residents about "Ask the Mayor," which promotes transparency and provides residents with facts to encourage understanding and awareness about important issues in our City. We will compile resident questions and share insights every few weeks.

Please send your questions to communications@darienil.gov and stay tuned for answers in the coming weeks! We appreciate and welcome your feedback.

Darien Park District Events

Trunk or Treat

No need to wait until Halloween to dress up and eat some candy! The Darien Park District is hosting a TRUNK or TREAT event at the Community Center on Friday, October 17, from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Learn more about how to participate here.

Halloween for Ghouls & Goblins

The Park District is throwing a Halloween party for all 2-5 year olds on October 30 at 5:30 p.m.! All children will need to bring an adult to help guide them through the fun activities. Learn more and register here.

Darien Lions Club Annual Halloween Party

The Darien Lions Club invites the Darien area youths to attend their annual Halloween Party, to be held at the Darien Sportsplex on Halloween night, October 31 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Each year more than 1,300 children and 500 ice skaters come out and enjoy a safe and fun-filled Halloween evening, complete with our famous "graveyard," games, a magician, and entertainment galore. And, as in the past, there is no charge to attend this event. Learn more here.

Now Accepting Applications

For Lateral Entry Police Officers

The Board of Fire and Police Commissioners of the City of Darien is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer (lateral entry). Applicants must have been employed as a full-time law enforcement officer in good standing in another law enforcement agency.

View Application Packet

Recycling Extravaganza

Drive Thru & Drop Off

Saturday – October 18, 2025

10:00 am until 2:00 pm

St. John Lutheran Church - 7214 S Cass Ave

The Rotary Club of Darien is proud to announce their 4th Annual Drive-Thru Recycling Event in partnership with SCARCE!

The Rotary Club of Darien will be covering the cost of the shredding truck for document shredding (tax, bank, and medical records). This year, they are also adding a household battery collection (No car or boat batteries). Additional organizations will be there collecting a wide variety of items - see the full list here. Let's protect nature together by keeping recyclable and reusable materials out of the landfill!

Leave the Leaves

Fall is here and leaves have begun to cover the ground! Before you bag them up, consider the following ideas from the Conservation Foundation on how to use those leaves in ways that are good for your yard and the planet!

Compost your leaves. Chop them up first to speed up decomposition.
Let fallen leaves (and fallen twigs) remain around plants in a native savanna or woodland garden. This is the way nature mulches and it provides nesting, shelter, and food for many creatures.
Use colorful fall leaves in floral arrangements and other crafty projects.
Have some fun! Toss the leaves around, enjoy the sound of walking through the leaves, and make piles to jump into.
Get more tips from the Conservation Foundation here.

Lawn Sprinkler Winterization Reminder

To protect our drinking water, the City of Darien follows Illinois EPA rules to prevent “cross connections” — where drinking water could mix with non-drinking water (like from sprinkler systems).

If you have a lawn sprinkler system, now’s the time to winterize it! If your backflow preventer is outside, it must be removed or blown out before freezing temperatures arrive.

You can cover it briefly with a towel or blanket until it’s removed.
Do not leave it outside all winter — freezing can cause costly damage.
Store it somewhere safe and warm to reinstall in spring.

Your backflow preventer must be tested each year by a certified tester when reinstalled. These devices are also found on fire sprinklers, boilers, pools, and water features. Questions? Contact Aqua Backflow at info@aquabackflow.com or (847) 742-2296.

Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting

Mark your calendars for the Darien Community Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting on November 16 at the Darien Historical Society! This event starts at 1:00 p.m. with fun activites, followed by the arrival of Santa, story time, caroling, and more. Finally, you won't want to miss the magic of the Tree Lighting at 4:00 pm!

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